Pecel
Javanese Vegetable Salad with Peanut Sauce
A beloved Javanese vegetable salad featuring a vibrant mix of blanched greens and other vegetables, generously coated in a rich, savory, and slightly spicy peanut sambal. This dish is a healthy and satisfying meal, often enjoyed as a light lunch or side dish.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Mixed vegetables(A traditional mix includes spinach, water spinach (kangkung), bean sprouts, long beans, and cabbage. You can also use broccoli, cauliflower, or green beans.)
- 200 g Raw peanuts(Ensure they are raw and unsalted for the best flavor in the sauce.)
- 2 tbsp Tamarind pulp(Soaked in 1/2 cup (120ml) hot water to create tamarind water. Strain to remove seeds and pulp.)
- 5-10 Red chilies(Adjust to your spice preference. Remove seeds for less heat. Can substitute with bird's eye chilies for extra heat.)
- 2 cm piece Kencur (Kaempferia galanga)(This aromatic rhizome is crucial for the authentic Pecel flavor. Peel and roughly chop.)
- 3 cloves Garlic(Peeled.)
- 2 Shallots(Peeled and roughly chopped. Can substitute with 1/4 small red onion.)
- 1 tbsp Palm sugar (Gula Jawa)(Or brown sugar, finely chopped or grated. Adds a subtle sweetness and depth.)
- 1 tsp Salt(Or to taste.)
- 1/4 - 1/2 cup Water(For adjusting sauce consistency.)
- 2 tbsp Cooking oil(For frying peanuts.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the vegetables: Wash all vegetables thoroughly. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil (approximately 10 cups or 2.4 liters). Add a pinch of salt. Blanch each type of vegetable separately until tender-crisp (al dente). Spinach and bean sprouts take about 1-2 minutes, long beans and cabbage about 3-5 minutes. Immediately plunge blanched vegetables into ice-cold water to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color. Drain well and arrange attractively on a serving platter.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 2
Fry the peanuts: Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a wok or skillet over medium heat (180°C / 350°F). Add the raw peanuts and fry, stirring constantly, until golden brown and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn them. Remove peanuts from the oil and drain on paper towels. Let them cool completely.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 3
Make the peanut sambal base: In a mortar and pestle (preferred for authentic texture) or a food processor, combine the cooled fried peanuts, red chilies, kencur, garlic, shallots, palm sugar, and salt. Pound or process until a coarse paste forms. If using a food processor, you may need to scrape down the sides a few times.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Finish the sauce: Add the prepared tamarind water (start with 1/4 cup) to the peanut paste. Continue to pound or process until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Gradually add more tamarind water, a tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency – it should be thick but pourable, coating the back of a spoon. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or palm sugar if needed.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Serve: Generously spoon the peanut sambal sauce over the arranged blanched vegetables. Ensure all vegetables are well coated. Serve immediately.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Kencur is the signature aromatic spice that gives Pecel its unique flavor. Don't skip it!
- ✓This dish is a specialty of East Java (Jawa Timur) and is incredibly popular throughout Indonesia.
- ✓Pecel is often served with 'rempeyek' (Indonesian crispy crackers, usually made with rice flour and peanuts or anchovies) for added texture.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add fried tofu, tempeh, or hard-boiled eggs alongside the vegetables for a more substantial meal.
- Experiment with different combinations of blanched or steamed vegetables based on availability and preference.